Nursing Elites

1. A 3-month-old infant has been hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). What is the priority intervention?

• A. Administering an antiviral agent
• B. Clustering care to conserve energy
• C. Offering oral fluids to promote hydration
• D. Providing an antitussive agent when necessary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority intervention for a 3-month-old infant hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is clustering care to conserve energy. Infants with RSV often struggle to breathe and require rest periods to recover. Clustering care involves organizing nursing activities to allow for rest intervals, reducing the infant's energy expenditure and aiding recovery. Administering antiviral agents is not the primary intervention for RSV since it is a viral infection, and antiviral medications may not be effective against RSV. While offering oral fluids is crucial for hydration, it may not be the priority when the infant is having respiratory difficulties. Providing an antitussive agent when necessary can help with coughing but is not the priority intervention for managing RSV in this scenario.

2. A child with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis is admitted to the hospital. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering bronchodilators
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
• D. Encouraging fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important nursing intervention for a child with bronchiolitis is providing respiratory therapy. This intervention helps to maintain airway patency and improve breathing by assisting with mucus clearance and ventilation. Administering bronchodilators (Choice A) may be considered in some cases, but it is not the most crucial intervention for bronchiolitis. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice C) is important but is not as directly impactful as providing respiratory therapy. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice D) is important for hydration but does not directly address the respiratory distress associated with bronchiolitis.

3. A nurse is assessing a child with suspected pertussis. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Dry, hacking cough
• B. Inspiratory stridor
• C. Nasal congestion
• D. Severe coughing spells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Severe coughing spells. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, typically presents with severe coughing spells that can be followed by a characteristic 'whoop' sound. These coughing fits can be intense and prolonged, often causing the child to gasp for air between coughs. Option A, dry hacking cough, is a common symptom of other respiratory conditions like bronchitis. Option B, inspiratory stridor, is more commonly associated with conditions like croup. Option C, nasal congestion, is not a typical symptom of pertussis.

4. A child with sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital during a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement?

• A. Administering oxygen
• B. Ensuring adequate hydration
• C. Monitoring vital signs
• D. Administering pain medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, ensuring adequate hydration is crucial because it helps to reduce the viscosity of the blood and prevent further sickling of the cells. Administering oxygen may be necessary in some cases to improve tissue oxygenation, but hydration is the priority to prevent complications. Monitoring vital signs is important, but hydration takes precedence during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Administering pain medication is important for pain management but does not address the underlying issue of vaso-occlusion.

5. Based on developmental norms for a 5-year-old child, at what apical pulse did the nurse decide to withhold a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) elixir and notify the health care provider?

• A. 60 beats/min
• B. 70 beats/min
• C. 90 beats/min
• D. 100 beats/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a 5-year-old child, an apical pulse below 90 beats/min is a reason to withhold digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, and its administration is based on heart rate parameters. A pulse rate below 90 beats/min indicates bradycardia. In pediatric patients, bradycardia below this threshold may be a sign of toxicity or potential adverse effects of digoxin, necessitating withholding the medication and informing the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent pulse rates above the threshold for withholding digoxin in a 5-year-old child.

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